Pressure control in pap systems

ABSTRACT

A respiratory therapy device, which may include a flow generator, is provided. The RPT device includes a touch screen display that displays user interface screens to a user and accepts input from users to control parameters and functionality of the RPT device (e.g., a flow generator).

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/878,852, filed May 20, 2020, now allowed; which claims priority toU.S. Provisional Application No. 62/850,538, filed May 20, 2019, theentire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL OVERVIEW

The technology described herein relates techniques for controllingpositive airway pressure (PAP) devices (e.g. CPAP, APAP, BPAP) thatcontrol pressure levels. More particularly, the technology describedherein relates to touch screen techniques for controlling pressure thatis provided by a flow generator or the like.

INTRODUCTION

Medical devices play an important role today's society. Such devices canprovide important benefits to those using them. However, the interfacesor control systems for controlling such devices can leave usersfrustrated. Accordingly, new and improved techniques, systems, andprocesses that facilitate control of such medical devices arecontinually sought after.

SUMMARY

A respiratory therapy device, which may be a flow generator, isprovided. The RPT device includes a touch screen display that displaysuser interface screens to a user and accepts input from users to controlparameters and functionality of the RPT device (e.g., a flow generator).In certain example embodiments, the touch screen display may be providedseparately from the RPT device and used to control functionality of theRPT device via wireless or wired communication. For example, the touchscreen functionality may be provided in connection with a graphical userinterface that is presented via a mobile device (e.g., a mobile phone,tablet, or the like) that is in communication with the RPT device.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts that arefurther described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary isintended neither to identify key features or essential features of theclaimed subject matter, nor to be used to limit the scope of the claimedsubject matter; rather, this Summary is intended to provide an overviewof the subject matter described in this document. Accordingly, it willbe appreciated that the above-described features are merely examples,and that other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matterdescribed herein will become apparent from the following DetailedDescription, Figures, and Claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features and advantages will be better and morecompletely understood by referring to the following detailed descriptionof example non-limiting illustrative embodiments in conjunction with thedrawings of which:

FIG. 1A is a system diagram that includes a PAP system according tocertain examples;

FIG. 1B shows an example PAP system according to certain examples;

FIG. 2 shows a series of user interface screens of setting a pressurerange on a ventilator of a PAP system according to certain examples;

FIG. 3 shows a series of user interface screens of setting a pressurerange with decimals on a ventilator of a PAP system according to certainexamples;

FIG. 4 shows a series of user interface screens of setting a pressurewith or without decimals on a ventilator of a PAP system according tocertain examples; and

FIG. 5 shows an example computing device that may be used in someembodiments to implement features described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for purposes of explanation andnon-limitation, specific details are set forth, such as particularnodes, functional entities, techniques, protocols, etc. in order toprovide an understanding of the described technology. It will beapparent to one skilled in the art that other embodiments may bepracticed apart from the specific details described below. In otherinstances, detailed descriptions of well-known methods, devices,techniques, etc. are omitted so as not to obscure the description withunnecessary detail.

Sections are used in this Detailed Description solely in order to orientthe reader as to the general subject matter of each section; as will beseen below, the description of many features spans multiple sections,and headings should not be read as affecting the meaning of thedescription included in any section.

In many places in this document, software modules and actions performedby software modules are described. This is done for ease of description;it should be understood that, whenever it is described in this documentthat a software module performs any action, the action is in actualityperformed by underlying hardware elements (such as a processor and amemory device) according to the instructions that comprise the softwaremodule. Further details regarding this are provided below in, amongother places, the description of FIG. 5 .

FIG. 1A is a system diagram that includes a PAP system 106 usable by apatient 102. FIG. 1B shows an example of the PAP system 106 of FIG. 1A.

PAP system 106 includes PAP components that may be, for example, apatient interface or mask 110, a humidifier (not shown), and air conduit152, and a Respiratory Pressure Therapy Device or RPT device 108. ThePAP system 106 may be a CPAP, APAP, or a BPAP system. An example of anRPT device may be a flow generator. The RPT device 108 includes a touchscreen display 160 and a processor 114 (e.g., contained in the housingof the RPT device 108). The touch screen display 160 may be a resistiveor capacitive type display. Other types of touch screens are alsopossible. The processor 114 may, in certain examples, be a computingsystem, such as computing system 500 described in connection with FIG. 5or a component of computing system 500, such as processing system 502.

The patient 102 (or another user) interacts with the touch screendisplay 160 to control the operation of the RPT device. For example,pressure levels or pressure ranges that are used to control operation ofthe RPT device 108 may be set by a user. Each or any of the userinterface screens shown in FIG. 3-5 may be generated by the processor114 and/or displayed on display 160. Input may be provided in connectionwith the displayed screens by a user touching on the screen incorrespondence with a location of an icon, button, or the like.

In certain example embodiments, each or any of the user interfacescreens shown in FIG. 3-5 may be generated by a processor that isseparate from processor 114 and/or display 160. Each or any of the userinterface screens may be displayed on a display other than display 160of the RPT device 108. Or the RPT device 108 may include a touchscreenthat is separate from the housing that includes the flow generator orother components of the PAP system. For example, a mobile device orother computer system may be used to generate each or any of the displayscreens that are discussed in connection with FIGS. 3-5 . Additionally,a display associated with such a mobile device or other computer systemmay be used to present such display screens. Accordingly, a user mayinteract with a mobile device or other computer system and such a systemmay communicate (e.g. via wired or wireless communication, such asnetwork interface 518) with the RPT device (or components thereof) tothereby control the pressure based on the selected pressure aspects. Incertain examples, display screens may be generated by a computer systemseparate from the RPT device 108 and communicated (e.g., as image dataor the like) to the RPT device for display on display 160.

Patient interface 110 may include one or more of the followingfunctional aspects: a seal-forming structure, a plenum chamber, apositioning and stabilizing structure, a vent, one form of a connectionport for connection to conduit 152, and/or a forehead support. Incertain examples, the functional aspect may be provided by one or morephysical components. In some forms, one physical component may provideone or more functional aspects.

In certain examples, the seal-forming structure is arranged to surroundan entrance to at least one airway of the patient so as to facilitatethe supply of air at positive pressure to the at least one airway.

In certain examples, a patient interface that is unable to comfortablydeliver a level of positive pressure to a patient's airways that is morethan a threshold level may be unsuitable for respiratory pressuretherapy. In certain examples, patient interface 110 may provide a supplyof air at a positive pressure of at least 6 cmH2O, of at least 10 cmH2O,or of at least 20 cm H2O with respect to ambient air pressure.

In certain examples, a seal-forming structure of the patient interfaceprovides a target seal-forming region, and may additionally provide acushioning function. The target seal-forming region is a region on theseal-forming structure where sealing may occur. It will be appreciatedthat the region where sealing occurs may change within a given treatmentsession, from day to day, and from patient to patient, depending on arange of factors including, for example, where the patient interface wasplaced on the face, tension in the positioning and stabilizing structureand the shape of a patient's face.

In certain examples, the target seal-forming region is located on anoutside surface of the seal-forming structure. In certain examples, theseal-forming structure is constructed from a biocompatible material(e.g., silicone rubber).

In certain examples, the seal-forming structure forms a seal on: 1) on anose bridge region or on a nose-ridge region of the patient's face, 2)an upper lip region (e.g., the lip superior) of the patient's face, 3) achin-region of the patient's face, and/or 4) a forehead region of thepatient's face (e.g., where the plenum chamber may cover the eyes of thepatient when the patient interface is worn by the patient). In certainexamples, the seal-forming structure forms may comprise a pair of nasalpuffs, or nasal pillows, each nasal puff or nasal pillow beingconstructed and arranged to form a seal with a respective naris of thenose of a patient

In certain examples, the plenum chamber has a perimeter that is shapedto be complementary to the surface contour of the face of an averageperson in the region where a seal will be formed. When used by apatient, a marginal edge of the plenum chamber is positioned in closeproximity to an adjacent surface of the face. Actual contact with theface may be provided by the seal-forming structure discussed herein. Incertain examples, the seal-forming structure may extend about the entireperimeter of the plenum chamber. In certain examples, the plenum chamberand the seal-forming structure are formed from a single homogeneouspiece of material.

In certain examples, the patient interface 110 may include positioningand stabilizing structures used to hold the patient interface in asealing position on the face of the patient. In certain examples, theincluded positioning and stabilizing structure may include straps, ties,or other component that acts to secure the mask to the head of apatient.

In certain examples, the patient interface 110 may include a vent thatis constructed to allow for the washout of exhaled gases (e.g., carbondioxide) from the patient as a result of breathing. In certain examples,such a vent is configured to allow a continuous vent flow from aninterior of the plenum chamber to ambient while the pressure within theplenum chamber is positive with respect to ambient. The vent may beconfigured such that the vent flow rate has a magnitude sufficient toreduce rebreathing of exhaled CO2 by the patient while maintaining thetherapeutic pressure in the plenum chamber while a patient interface isbeing used by the patient. In certain examples, the vent includes aplurality of holes, for example, about 20 to about 80 holes, or about 40to about 60 holes, or about 45 to about 55 holes.

In certain examples, the patient interface 110 may include a connectionport that allows for a structural coupling of the conduit 152 to patientinterface to thereby deliver above atmospheric gas to the patient fromthe conduit 152.

In certain examples, the patient interface 110 includes a foreheadsupport structural support that allows the patient interface to engagewith the forehead of the patient.

In certain examples, conduit 152 is constructed to allow a flow of airbetween the flow generator 108 and the patient interface 110. In certainexamples, conduit 152 includes one or more heating elements (e.g., aheated wire circuit) configured to heat the air in the air conduit 152.The heating element may be controlled by controller 156 of the flowgenerator 108.

Flow generator 108 includes controller 156, a communication interface158, a pressure generator (not shown), and one or more displays (e.g.,touch screen display 160). Flow generator 108 may include an outlet thatis configured to couple to conduit 152. Flow generator may also includea blower that is configured to supply gas (e.g., breathable air) atpressure between about 2-40 cmH2O, or in the range of 4-20 cmH2O topatient interface 110 via an air delivery conduit 152. A flow sensorand/or a pressure sensor may be included at the outlet of the flowgenerator 108 and/or may be included with the patient interface 110 orconduit 152.

Controller 156 is used to control the functionality of the flowgenerator (e.g., adjust the speed of a blower in order to affect thepressure level that is being delivered) and may work in conjunctionprocessor 114 to control the functionality of the flow generator 108.For example, software may be executed by the processor 114 that may theninstruct the controller 156 to change the speed of a motor or the like.Communication interface 158 may be a communication or network interfacesuch as that described in FIG. 5 .

In one form of the present technology, a pressure generator forproducing a flow, or a supply, of air at positive pressure is acontrollable blower. For example, a blower may include a brushless DCmotor with one or more impellers. The impellers may be located in avolute. The blower may be capable of delivering a supply of air, forexample at a rate of up to about 120 liters/minute, at a positivepressure in a range from about 4 cmH2O to about 20 cmH2O, or in otherforms up to about 30 cmH2O when delivering respiratory pressure therapy.The blower may be as described in any one of the following patents orpatent applications the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety: U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,866,944; 8,638,014;8,636,479; and PCT Patent Application Publication No. WO 2013/020167.The pressure generator may be controllable via electric or electricalconnections to the controller 156.

In certain examples, patient interface 110, conduit 152, flow generator108, and/or other PAP component types (e.g., a humidifier, etc.) mayinclude one or more identifying features that may be used to uniquelydistinguish the type of component (e.g., a nasal mask versus a full maskmask) and/or a specific component being used by a patient (e.g., eachcomponent may have a unique identifier—e.g., a GUID) that is used todistinguish a particular component from other components (even if theyare the same type of component). In certain examples, one identifyingfeature may be used to identify the type of PAP component and anothermay be used to specifically identify a particular PAP component. Incertain examples, the identifying feature is implemented via a bar code,RFID (e.g., active or passive), a resister, or the like.

In certain examples, one or more of the PAP components may also includea memory device for storing data related to that PAP component (or otherPAP components or usage data about a patient). The data may be for aspecific patient (e.g., that is to use the component). In certainexamples, the data may be accessed via wireless or wired datacommunications (e.g., via RFID). In certain examples, data from sensorsfor a given component may be written directly to a memory device of thePAP component carrying the sensor. For example, patient interface 110may include a sensor for measuring pressure and a memory device (e.g.,flash memory) disposed with the mask to storing pressure data recordedby the pressure sensor.

FIG. 2: Set Pressure Range

FIG. 2 shows a series of user interface screens of setting a pressurerange on a ventilator of a PAP system according to certain examples. Thescreens on FIG. 2 are shown in sequence, with user inputs being providedbetween the shown screens.

Screen 200 is an informational screen that shows the mode that the RPTdevice is currently in (AutoSet) and that the “ramp time” is set toauto. In certain examples, a user may click on the area associated withitems and further menus may be displayed that allow a user to change themode and/ramp time. Providing a touch input in the area of the screenassociated with the “Pressure Range” label will bring up a menu thatallows for setting a pressure range (e.g., in terms of cmH2O). Incertain example embodiments, the pressure range that is set may be usedto control one or more properties of how the pressure is ramped upduring treatment for the patient.

Screen 210 is loaded in response to a user indicating the pressure rangearea in screen 200. Screen 210 includes a list of numbers thatcorrespond to the various pressure values that may be set by a user. Alabel at the top of the screen (“Set Min Pressure”) indicates to theuser that they are to set the minimum pressure for the pressure rangesetting.

In the lower left of screen 210 is a cancel button that will cancel thisscreen and return to the previous screen (e.g., screen 200). Similarfunctionality may be implemented for the other screens discussed herein.

In the lower right of screen 210 is an “OK” button. There may be twodifferent states to the OK button. The first is shown in screen 210 inwhich the OK button is greyed out or changed in color. This may be usedto indicate to the user that they still must perform an operation onthis screen in order for a command to be accepted. If a user presses orotherwise selects the OK button while it is greyed out the system maynot respond as the button is not yet active.

The second state of the OK button is when the conditions for asuccessful operation have been fulfilled. This is shown in screen 230and other screens in FIGS. 3 and 4 . In the second state the button isturned to a darker color. In the case of FIG. 2 , this indicates that avalid range has been set and the user can set the range byselecting/pressing the OK button.

Another button shown in FIG. 2 is the decimal button of “0.0” in thelower right corner of screen 210. This button and the associatedfunctionality will be discussed in connection with FIG. 3 .

Screen 210 also include a circular element that is between the numbers13 and 19. This is used to indicate where an input is currently located,but that the user has not yet indicated a selection. For example, thecircle may indicate where a “mouse” cursor is located on the screen, butnot where a user has “clicked” with the mouse. In a touch screenembodiment, the circle may indicate a touch location that is lighterthan a touch input used for selection.

In any event, at screen 210 the user is prompted to select one of thenumbers that is displayed as the lower end or minimum pressure for a setrange.

Screen 220 shows the result of the selecting 6, this causes the screento change the label at the top to now be “Set Max Pressure” and to greyout those values that are lower than 6 (e.g., to make themun-selectable). As shown in screen 220, “6” is highlighted (or otherwisevisually changed) in response to be being selected.

Screen 230 shows the result of selection of 14 as the “max” of the rangethat is being set by the user provided inputs. This input also causesthe label at the top of the screen to change to “Pressure Range.”Further, as the range that is selected is now a valid range, the OKbutton is visually changed to indicate that the user can select the OKbutton. Selecting the OK button will then update a pressure range valuethat is used by the flow generator to supply air to a patient.

In certain examples, selecting the second number (which is valid) willthen automatically set the range without having to select “OK.” In otherwords, once “14” is selected the system may store 6-14 as the set rangeand return to the screen shown at 200 (e.g., the screens with thenumbers may be automatically closed). In certain examples, once therange is selected as shown in 230, then the system may automaticallyaccept the range (and return to screen 300) after a period of time(e.g., 2, 3, 5 seconds, or upon the expiration of any other timer).

In certain example embodiments, once a pressure range is accepted (e.g.,when the user selects “OK”), then the pressure range is set for rampingbetween the low value (e.g., 6) to the high value (e.g., 14). Once set,the RPT device may then initiate a ramping of the pressure between thetwo selected values.

In certain example embodiments, one or more commands or instructions maybe communicated (e.g., by using a wired or wireless transceiver, such asBluetooth) to thereby control the pressure level in accordance with thenumbers that have been selected via the touch screen.

It will appreciated that the number of inputs needed to set a pressurerange may be decreased from other user interface screens. For example,the number in this example may be less than using a dial or a scrollwheel, etc.

FIG. 3 : Set Pressure Range with Decimal

FIG. 3 shows a series of user interface screens for setting a pressurerange with decimals on a ventilator of a PAP system according to certainexamples. The screens shown in FIG. 3 may start from a similar screenshow in 200 in FIG. 2 . Indeed, screen 300, where a user has providedinput to select “6” may be the same as screen 220. Unlike the series ofscreens shown in FIG. 2 , here the user decides to set a factionalamount for the minimum pressure of the pressure range.

Screen 300 shows the user about to select the “0.0” button (herein afterreferred to as the decimal button). Note that the decimal button may bedisplayed different than the other numbers in the screen. For example,it may be displayed with a white lettering with a black background. Incertain examples, the decimal button may be un-selectable (like the “OK”button) if a number has not already been selected. In other words, thedecimal button may become active in response to the user selecting oneof the other numbers.

In any event, once the decimal button is selected, then a new userinterface screen 310 is presented with options for selecting a decimalvalue. In certain example embodiments, user interface screen 310 (andassociated screens) may replace, for example, screen 220. In certainexamples, user interface screen 310 may be superimposed over screen 220(e.g., both may be displayed at the same time). In any event, in screen310, decimal values in increments of 0.2 are allowed, however otheroptions are also possible (e.g., every 0.25 or every 0.1, etc.). Incertain examples, fractions may be used instead of decimals (e.g., ¼ or½).

When screen 310 is displayed the number that was previously (e.g., mostrecently) selected by the user in screen 300 (“6” in the example fromFIG. 3 ) is shown in the upper left of the screen along with the seriesof decimal options.

In screen 320, decimal value 0.2 is shown as being selected by a user.The selection of one of the decimal values causes that value to behighlighted or otherwise indicated on the screen to the user.

In screen 330, once the user then accepts the decimal selection byselecting the OK button in the lower right of screen 300. This returnsthe display screen to setting the pressure range.

In screen 340, the display of the 6 that had been selected by the userin screen 300 has been updated to now include the decimal value selectedvia screens 310, 320, and 330. Accordingly, the minimum pressure valueof the range is now set to “6.2.”

In screen 350, the user then sets the max pressure for the range byselecting 14. It will be appreciated that the user may opt to also set adecimal value for the max range by selecting the decimal button andprovided inputs in the same manner as described above.

FIG. 4: Set Pressure

In certain examples, the RPT device may include functionality forallowing a user to set a pressure via a user interface display that isprovided on the RPT device. FIG. 4 shows a series of user interfacescreens of setting a pressure with or without decimals on an RPT deviceof a PAP system according to certain examples.

Screen 400 is a settings screen that includes values for a current mode(set to PAP in screen 400), and whether expiratory pressure relief isenabled (currently enabled in screen 400). The other option is thepressure setting, which is currently set to 5.0 cmH2O. Upon selectingthe pressure label or its value, screen 410 is loaded and displayed tothe user.

When screen 410 is loaded, the current pressure setting (5) may behighlighted as shown. A user may then select “cancel” to cancel theoperation, OK to accept any changes, and/or select a new pressure valueamong those displayed (with or without a decimal modification).

Screen 420 shows the results of a user selecting “12.” The previouslyhighlighted 5 is unlighted as 12 is now selected.

Screen 430 is just before the user clicks the OK button to accept theset pressure change to 12.

As an alternative to screen 430, the user may also select the decimalbutton in screen 440. This will cause the decimal number screen to beshown to the user as is described in connection with FIG. 3 .

Screen 450 shows the results of selecting “0.4” in the decimal numberscreen, and just before the user selects OK.

Selecting OK (in either screen 430 or 45) will cause the RPT device toset the pressure level to the indicated pressure level and return toscreen 400 with the pressure level changed to a new value (ifapplicable).

Description of FIG. 5

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example computing device 500 (which mayalso be referred to, for example, as a “computing device,” “computersystem,” or “computing system”) herein. In certain examples, thecomputing device 500 includes one or more of the following: a processingsystem 502, which includes one or more hardware processors (e.g.,central processing units or CPUs, GPUs, etc.); one or more memorydevices 506; one or more network interface devices 518; one or moredisplay interfaces 514; and one or more user input adapters 510.Elements of computing device 500 may communicate with one another viasystem bus 504. Additionally, in some examples, the computing device 500is connected to or includes a display device 516, user input device 512,database 520, and/or external resources 522 (which may be anotherinstance of computing device 500. As will be explained below, theseelements (e.g., the processing system 502, memory devices 506, networkinterface devices 518, display interfaces 514, user input adapters 510,display device 516) are hardware devices (for example, electroniccircuits or combinations of circuits) that are configured to performvarious different functions for the computing device 500.

In some examples, each or any of the processors (e.g., CPUs 1, 2, 3, or4) of the processing system 502 is or includes, for example, a single-or multi-core processor, a microprocessor (e.g., which may be referredto as a central processing unit or CPU), a digital signal processor(DSP), a microprocessor in association with a DSP core, an ApplicationSpecific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array(FPGA) circuit, and/or a system-on-a-chip (SOC) (e.g., an integratedcircuit that includes a CPU and other hardware components such asmemory, networking interfaces, and the like). In certain examples, eachor any of the processors may use an instruction set architecture such asx86 or Advanced RISC Machine (ARM).

In some examples, each or any of the memory devices 506 is or includes arandom access memory (RAM) (such as a Dynamic RAM (DRAM) or Static RAM(SRAM)), a flash memory (based on, e.g., NAND or NOR technology), a harddisk, a magneto-optical medium, an optical medium, cache memory, aregister (e.g., that holds instructions), or other type of device thatperforms the volatile or non-volatile storage of data and/orinstructions (e.g., software that is executed on or by processors of theprocessing system 502). Memory devices 506 are examples ofnon-transitory computer-readable storage media.

In some examples, each or any of the network interface devices 518includes one or more circuits (such as a baseband processor and/or awired or wireless transceiver), and implements layer one, layer two,and/or higher layers for one or more wired communications technologies(such as Ethernet (IEEE 802.3)) and/or wireless communicationstechnologies (such as Bluetooth, WiFi (IEEE 802.11), GSM, CDMA2000,UMTS, LTE, LTE-Advanced (LTE-A), and/or other short-range, mid-range,and/or long-range wireless communications technologies). Transceiversmay comprise circuitry for a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitterand receiver may share a common housing and may share some or all of thecircuitry in the housing to perform transmission and reception. In someexamples, the transmitter and receiver of a transceiver may not shareany common circuitry and/or may be in the same or separate housings.

In some examples, each or any of the display interfaces 514 is orincludes one or more circuits that receive data from the processors ofthe processing system 502, generate (e.g., via a discrete GPU, anintegrated GPU, a CPU executing graphical processing, or the like)corresponding image data based on the received data, and/or output(e.g., a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), a DisplayPortInterface, a Video Graphics Array (VGA) interface, a Digital VideoInterface (DVI), or the like), the generated image data to the displaydevice 616, which displays the image data. Alternatively, oradditionally, in some examples, each or any of the display interfaces514 is or includes, for example, a video card, video adapter, orgraphics processing unit (GPU).

In some examples, each or any of the user input adapters 510 is orincludes one or more circuits that receive and process user input datafrom one or more user input devices 512 that are included in, attachedto, or otherwise in communication with the computing device 500, andthat output data based on the received input data to the processors 502.Alternatively, or additionally, in some examples each or any of the userinput adapters 510 is or includes, for example, a PS/2 interface, a USBinterface, a touchscreen controller, or the like; and/or the user inputadapters 510 facilitates input from user input devices 512, which mayinclude, for example, a keyboard, mouse, trackpad, touchscreen, voiceinput, etc. In certain examples, user input adapter 510 may beconfigured to process data from other types of input sources that arenot from a user. For example, user input adapter 510 (e.g., an inputadapter) may process data from one or more sensors (e.g., flow,pressure, temperature, or other types of sensors).

In some examples, the display device 516 may be a Liquid Crystal Display(LCD) display, Light Emitting Diode (LED) display, or other type ofdisplay device. In examples where the display device 516 is a componentof the computing device 500 (e.g., the computing device and the displaydevice are included in a unified housing of, for example, a mobile ortablet device or within the housing a RPT device), the display device516 may be a touchscreen display (e.g., using capacitive or resistivetechnology to sense the location of a provided input) or non-touchscreendisplay. In examples where the display device 516 is connected to thecomputing device 500 (e.g., is external to the computing device 500 andcommunicates with the computing device 500 via a wire and/or viawireless communication technology), the display device 516 is, forexample, an external monitor, projector, television, display screen,etc.

In various examples, the computing device 500 includes one, or two, orthree, four, or more of each or any of the above-mentioned elements(e.g., the processing system 502, CPUs 1, 2, 3, or 4, memory devices506, network interface devices 518, display interfaces 514, and userinput adapters 510). In some examples, the computing device 500 includesone or more of: a processing system 602 that includes hardwareprocessors (e.g., CPUs 1, 2, 3, and/or 4); a memory or storage systemthat includes the memory devices; and a network interface system thatincludes the network interface devices 618.

The computing device 500 may be arranged, in various examples, in manydifferent ways. As just one example, the computing device 500 may bearranged such that the processors include: a multi (or single)-coreprocessor; a first network interface device (which implements, forexample, WiFi, Bluetooth, NFC, etc.); a second network interface devicethat implements one or more cellular communication technologies (e.g.,3G, 4G LTE, CDMA, etc.); memory or storage devices (e.g., RAM, flashmemory, or a hard disk). The processor, the first network interfacedevice, the second network interface device, and the memory devices maybe integrated as part of the same SOC (e.g., one integrated circuitchip). As another example, the computing device 500 may be arranged suchthat: the processors include two, three, four, five, or more multi-coreprocessors; the network interface devices 518 include a first networkinterface device that implements Ethernet and a second network interfacedevice that implements WiFi and/or Bluetooth; and the memory devices 506may include RAM and storage in the form of flash memory or hard disk.

As previously noted, whenever it is described in this document that asoftware module or software process performs any action, the action isin actuality performed by underlying hardware elements according to theinstructions that comprise the software module.

The hardware configurations shown in FIG. 5 and described above areprovided as examples, and the subject matter described herein may beutilized in conjunction with a variety of different hardwarearchitectures and elements. For example: in many of the Figures in thisdocument, individual functional/action blocks are shown (e.g., thecreation of each of the screens and the processes a user takes tointeract with those screens); in various examples, the functions ofthose blocks may be implemented using (a) individual hardware circuits,(b) using an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) specificallyconfigured to perform the described functions/actions, (c) using one ormore digital signal processors (DSPs) specifically configured to performthe described functions/actions, (d) using the hardware configurationdescribed above with reference to FIG. 5 , (e) via other hardwarearrangements, architectures, and configurations, and/or via combinationsof the technology described in (a) through (e).

In certain examples, the techniques herein provide for an improved userinterface that allows users to more efficiently and/or quickly setpressure and other parameters that are used by an RPT device

Whenever it is described in this document that a given item is presentin “some embodiments,” “various embodiments,” “certain embodiments,”“certain example embodiments, “some example embodiments,” “an exemplaryembodiment,” “certain examples,” “some examples,” or whenever any othersimilar language is used, it should be understood that the given item ispresent in at least one embodiment or example, though is not necessarilypresent in all embodiments or examples. Consistent with the foregoing,whenever it is described in this document that an action “may,” “can,”or “could” be performed, that a feature, element, or component “may,”“can,” or “could” be included in or is applicable to a given context,that a given item “may,” “can,” or “could” possess a given attribute, orwhenever any similar phrase involving the term “may,” “can,” or “could”is used, it should be understood that the given action, feature,element, component, attribute, etc. is present in at least one exampleor embodiment, though is not necessarily present in all embodiments orexamples. Terms and phrases used in this document, and variationsthereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed asopen-ended rather than limiting. As examples of the foregoing: “and/or”includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associatedlisted items (e.g., a and/or b means a, b, or a and b); the singularforms “a”, “an” and “the” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “oneor more,” or the like; the term “example” is used to provide examples ofthe subject under discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting listthereof; the terms “comprise” and “include” (and other conjugations andother variations thereof) specify the presence of the associated listeditems but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more otheritems; and if an item is described as “optional,” such descriptionshould not be understood to indicate that other items are also notoptional.

As used herein, the term “non-transitory computer-readable storagemedium” includes a register, a cache memory, a ROM, a semiconductormemory device (such as a D-RAM, S-RAM, or other RAM), a magnetic mediumsuch as a flash memory, a hard disk, a magneto-optical medium, anoptical medium such as a CD-ROM, a DVD, or Blu-Ray Disc, or other typeof device for non-transitory electronic data storage. The term“non-transitory computer-readable storage medium” does not include atransitory, propagating electromagnetic signal.

While certain examples are described in connection with PAP systems, itwill be appreciated that the techniques herein may be applicable toother types of home medical equipment.

Although process steps, algorithms or the like, may be described orclaimed in a particular sequential order, such processes may beconfigured to work in different orders. In other words, any sequence ororder of steps that may be explicitly described or claimed in thisdocument does not necessarily indicate a requirement that the steps beperformed in that order; rather, the steps of processes described hereinmay be performed in any order possible. Further, some steps may beperformed simultaneously (or in parallel) despite being described orimplied as occurring non-simultaneously (e.g., because one step isdescribed after the other step). Moreover, the illustration of a processby its depiction in a drawing does not imply that the illustratedprocess is exclusive of other variations and modifications thereto, doesnot imply that the illustrated process or any of its steps arenecessary, and does not imply that the illustrated process is preferred.

Although various embodiments and examples have been shown and describedin detail, the claims are not limited to any particular embodiment orexample. None of the above description should be read as implying thatany particular element, step, range, or function is essential. Allstructural and functional equivalents to the elements of theabove-described embodiments and examples that are known to those ofordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by referenceand are intended to be encompassed. Moreover, it is not necessary for adevice or method to address each and every problem sought to be solvedby the present invention, for it to be encompassed by the invention. Noembodiment, example, feature, element, component, or step in thisdocument is intended to be dedicated to the public.

1. A positive airway pressure (PAP) system comprising: a flow generatorconfigured to generate a supply of air at a positive pressure relativeto ambient pressure; a touch screen display configured to accept touchinput provided by a user to control a pressure level of the positivepressure that is generated by the controllable motor-blower; at leastone hardware processor configured to: output a first pressure controluser interface display screen to the touch screen display for displaythereon, the first pressure control user interface display screenincluding a plurality of numbers that indicate pressure values; whilethe first pressure control user interface display screen is displayed,accept a first touch input to select a first number out of the pluralityof numbers; while the first pressure control user interface displayscreen is displayed and after acceptance of the first touch input,accept a second touch input to select a second number out of theplurality of numbers; change how the first and second numbers aredisplayed within the first pressure control user interface displayscreen based on selection thereof; and cause, based on the first andsecond numbers, the pressure level of the positive air pressure to becontrolled.